The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 may be quite some time away, but the buzz around the auctions has already started to intensify. Set to feature another round of mega auctions following the significant event of IPL 2022, franchises are gearing up for a crucial phase of team building for the future. With numerous discussions revolving around player retentions, Right to Match cards, and other strategic elements, the landscape is already brimming with anticipation. Some franchises have voiced their opinions against the mega auctions, but regardless of when they occur, the franchises will find themselves deeply engrossed in activity. A pivotal point of interest remains: who will emerge as the most expensive player? Will Mitchell Starc’s record-breaking bid be surpassed in the next auction?
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc holds the record for being the most expensive player in IPL auction history, having garnered a hefty sum of INR 24.75 crore from the eventual champions, Kolkata Knight Riders. As we look forward to IPL 2025, speculations abound regarding the potential to break this record. Here are three Indian players who might just achieve that feat in the upcoming auction.
**Rohit Sharma**
Indian ODI and Test skipper Rohit Sharma, who is no longer the captain of the Mumbai Indians, could be a hot commodity in the IPL 2025 auction, provided recent rumors hold any truth. Rohit has handed over the captaincy to the homegrown talent, Hardik Pandya, a shift that has corresponded with a noticeable slump in the team’s performance. While there is no official statement yet, whispers from the last season suggested that Rohit might part ways with the franchise he led to five titles.
Should this transition happen, Rohit Sharma entering the auction could be monumental. As the captain who won the T20 World Cup, his aggressive batting style, unparalleled experience, and leadership skills make him a premium option. His potential availability in the auction could very well break Mitchell Starc’s record. Rohit isn’t merely a player; he is an Indian opener, a strategic leader, and a seasoned campaigner, making him an enticing prospect for any team willing to splurge.
**Rishabh Pant**
Another name that surfaces amidst the potential big buys is Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
. Although there hasn’t been any confirmation about his departure from the Delhi Capitals, media reports have hinted at his possible release. Pant, coming off a fantastic season in 2024 post his recovery from a severe accident, remains a strong contender.
His performances in the shorter formats, especially during the T20 World Cup 2024, were nothing short of brilliant. Pant’s versatility at the batting order – from number three to six – along with his wicketkeeping skills and leadership capabilities, mark him as a key target. If he enters the auction pool, there’s no reason to believe he wouldn’t command a hefty price, potentially breaking Starc’s record.
**Mayank Yadav**
The phrase ‘pace is pace’ finds its embodiment in Mayank Yadav, whose fiery deliveries left a mark in IPL 2024. Playing for the Lucknow Super Giants, Mayank clocked the fastest ball of the season—a blistering 156.7 kmph thunderbolt against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This feat places him fourth in the record books for the fastest delivery in the IPL.
However, Mayank’s injury history could pose a challenge. In 2024, he was limited to just four matches before a side strain ruled him out for the remainder of the season. If Lucknow Super Giants prioritize retaining a handful of players due to injury concerns, they might leave Mayank vulnerable to the auction. Should he become available, his sheer pace and potential will likely see franchises vying for his services, possibly leading to a record-breaking bid.
The IPL auctions are always a spectacle, with teams strategizing to build a squad that balances experience, youth, and versatility. As the anticipation builds for IPL 2025, the question of who will become the most expensive cricketer adds an extra layer of intrigue. Will Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting skills, Rishabh Pant’s versatility, or Mayank Yadav’s raw pace be enough to surpass Mitchell Starc’s monumental record? Only time will tell, but it’s certain that the upcoming auctions will be a thrilling, competitive event, capturing the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
